Seven years after the disaster and relations are strong, with one exception.

The Diplomat
Date: April 12, 2018
By: Shin Kawashima

On March 11, 2011, eastern Japan was struck by a massive earthquake. The damage

The signing of Taiwan-Japan fisheries agreement in 2013
Image Credit: Voice of America

wrought by the earthquake was extensive due to a compounding of three factors: the earthquake itself, the ensuing tsunami and the nuclear disaster. In addition to the efforts of the Japanese national and local governments, and thanks to assistance from other countries and action from NGOs and other private sector groups, the affected areas continue to make progress in recovering from the disaster. Stand in front of a station in Sendai, one of the affected areas, and you may be hard pressed to imagine that a major earthquake struck the location seven years prior.

In contrast, for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, any semblance of “recovery” remains a distant prospect, and many displaced citizens are still unable to return to their homes today. It is equally hard to describe radiation levels as being under control in the area. That said, agricultural produce from Fukushima Prefecture is already being distributed on the Japanese market, underpinned by requirements such as radiation testing. Consumers, however, take a less forgiving approach and represent yet another hurdle to the region’s recovery.    [FULL  STORY]